神气

• Pinyin: shén qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 神 = 礻+ 申 (divine spirit); 气 = 气 (breath/air)

Meaning

Spirited demeanor; proud air. As an adjective, cocky, smug, or full of oneself.

Can be positive (energetic, spirited appearance) or negative (arrogant, showing off). Context determines whether it implies admirable confidence or excessive pride.

Examples

1. 他考了第一名，走路都神气起来了。 He got first place, and even the way he walked looked proud and confident.
2. 小男孩穿上新衣服显得特别神气。 The little boy looked especially proud in his new clothes.
3. 别那么神气，胜负还没定呢。 Don’t get so cocky—the outcome isn’t decided yet.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, commentary

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 孩子们穿上演出服个个神气十足。(The children all looked spirited in their performance costumes.)
• 他神气活现地炫耀自己的新车。(He showed off his new car with a smug air.)

Don't Say

• 他很神气地帮助别人 — 神气 implies pride/showing off, not helpfulness

Origin & History

神 (spirit) + 气 (air/manner)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal